Why is that absurd? In most countries, including the US, protests are only allowed under certain conditions. You can’t do things like take over public infrastructure. Such protests are violent, not peaceful, and should be treated as such. I think it’s absurd that some people think that they’re owed an audience for their unpopular ideas. They can use normal discussions and the political system to convince others. But stealing from them (their time and therefore money) is not okay.
Why is it absurd? Because protests are popular (populus) means of compelling someone, like the authorities. So playing by the rules of the authorities is absurd. Of course the authorities have the incentive to make the protests as neutered as possible.
It’s it just authorities. Most people don’t want to hear about the cause of some random protester. Stealing their time is a crime. When protests involve illegal acts, they’re riots not just protests. It’s compelling someone by force. Do I have the right to come occupy your home because you don’t share my ideas? If not why would that be okay elsewhere? We have existing, legal avenues for both lawful protest and political change that people can use.
Oh shit! Is it? Can I finally arrest tourists for walking slowly in my city? They bother me way more than the occasional protest does (less than once a month, while tourists are in my way every day I go outside)!
